Unscripted thrills punctuate pyrotechnic show
Misfire causes an enhanced spectacle during Sooke Canada Day fireworks display. No one was hurt in the incident.
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Updated: July 02, 2009 12:05 PM
First of all, no injuries were caused by the Canada Day fireworks at Sooke Flats.
The show, however, proved more exciting than usual as a couple of rounds misfired, causing some anxious moments among the audience and firefighters on hand.
"A couple of the fireworks got loaded upside down in the tubes," reported Sooke Fire Chief Steve Sorensen the following morning. "They shot down instead of up. When that happened, then it kicked over and the fireworks came out sideways and the sparks ignited other fireworks."
Sorensen, who was in charge of the procedure, said there were some new people taking part in executing the display, but that greater caution would be used in future.
"We'll be more careful next time... now we know."
On thing he plans to change is to have more tubes on hand so there won't be any reloading during the show, in the dark when oversights could be more likely to happen than in the light of day.
"We'll spend the money, buy enough tubes then we don't have this problem again."
The chief said a small patch of grass ignited in the incident and was quickly put out.
About 20 rounds missed being used and will apparently be retained for next year.
Mayor Janet Evans was contacted for comment on the incident and assured that Chief Sorensen is fully qualified and insured to stage this type of show. She added that it's a volunteer effort by the fire department and their work is appreciated.
Although "a little scary" for part of the program, the show was a good one according to Mayor Evans.
"We were afraid," said eyewitness Debbie England of Langford. "We thought is was going to be a lot worse than it was."
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